In restaurants, even the best ones, good espresso seems to be rare. I did have an excellent strong but not bitter cup after an outstanding tasting menu at Stonehill Tavern a few months ago. (I don't recall anything more than serviceable espresso at other Mina Mina establishments, however.)

In many places I'm inclined to wonder whether the coffee was actually decent coming out of the espresso maker but declined and died by the time the waiter got it to the table. Then there's the kind that arrives too fast -- almost as soon as you order it.

Caffe Luxxe makes a great espresso. Intelligentsia in Venice does as well, though I'm partial to their macchiato. I'd suggest you try both places, as they are both top notch. I've not tried Caffe Luxxe's new Brentwood location so I cannot comment on if it as is good as the one in SM on Montana.